D.A.’s Arrest Halts Drug Trial
A drug trial was interrupted today after the prosecutor was arrested on a drug charge, authorities said.
The prosecutor had reported Tuesday that 175 grams of heroin, which was to have been used as evidence in the case, had been misplaced, according to a defense lawyer, Louis R. Aidala. That caused a delay until today.
This morning, U.S. District Judge Edward Weinfeld told the jury that Assistant U.S. Atty. Daniel Perlmutter, who was trying the case, had been arrested overnight.
The prosecutor was charged with stealing government property and possessing drugs with intent to distribute, officials said.
Aidala said the jury appeared stunned by Weinfeld’s announcement.
“Like me,” he added. “I’m stunned and saddened.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
